Alex Ovechkin Makes History with Overtime Goal vs. Canadiens/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Alex Ovechkin scored his first career NHL playoff overtime goal Monday. It was his 74th postseason goal and lifted the Capitals past the Canadiens. The 39-year-old captain also led Washington in hits and scored earlier on the power play.
Ovechkin’s First NHL Playoff OT Goal: Quick Looks
- Historic Moment: Alex Ovechkin scores his first-ever NHL playoff overtime goal after 45 OT games.
- Clutch Performance: His game-winner came 2:26 into OT in Game 1 vs. Montreal.
- Power Play Sniper: Also scored earlier from his signature left-circle spot on a power play.
- Physical Dominance: Ovechkin led the Capitals with seven hits in a classic, high-energy performance.
- Teammate Praise: Capitals lauded Ovechkin’s leadership and impact in the locker room.
- Vintage Ovi: His overtime finish followed a slick setup by Anthony Beauvillier.
- Gretzky Echoes: Power play goal resembled the record-breaking 895th goal that passed Gretzky.
- Fan Favorite: Ovechkin continues to be a force at 39, guiding Washington with experience and power.
Alex Ovechkin Makes History with Overtime Goal vs. Canadiens
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — In a career already etched in hockey immortality, Alex Ovechkin added yet another chapter Monday night, scoring his first-ever NHL playoff overtime goal — a long-awaited feat in a résumé bursting with accolades.
At 2:26 into OT, Ovechkin buried the game-winner to lift the Washington Capitals to a thrilling 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their playoff series. Though it marked his 74th career postseason goal, it was the first in 45 playoff overtime games — an improbable stat for one of the game’s greatest scorers.
“Forty-five overtime games,” teammate Dylan Strome marveled. “It’s great. Not really surprised that he got that one.”
Ovechkin, never one to dwell on personal milestones, called it simply “a goal,” but the moment wasn’t lost on the hockey world or his teammates.
Vintage Ovi on Full Display
At 39 years old, Ovechkin turned back the clock, also scoring on a power play in the first period from his iconic left-circle spot — a nearly carbon-copy of his record-breaking 895th goal that passed Wayne Gretzky just weeks ago.
“Pretty similar, eh?” said Strome of the blast.
“It looked pretty familiar,” added Tom Wilson, who assisted on both of Ovechkin’s goals.
Ovechkin didn’t just shine on the scoreboard. He led the Capitals with seven hits, starting the game with a thunderous check on Montreal’s Mike Matheson just 20 seconds in. That physicality set the tone for what coach Spencer Carbery called a “vintage Ovi performance.”
“He made a couple of big plays, was physical, set the tone,” Carbery said. “He was leading the charge.”
Teammates in Awe
Newcomer Anthony Beauvillier, who set up the OT winner, said it was “kind of crazy” that it took this long for Ovechkin to net a playoff OT goal. Goaltender Logan Thompson went further, calling Ovechkin “the best player in the world.”
“He comes in clutch all game,” Thompson said. “It’s a privilege to be his teammate.”
Even longtime teammate Tom Wilson admitted he didn’t realize it was Ovechkin’s first OT playoff goal, but had no doubt it would come sooner or later.
“He’s a machine,” Wilson said. “He’s out there creating energy, scoring, hitting — that’s what a leader does.”
Continuing to Lead at 39
As the Capitals look to extend their playoff run, Ovechkin remains the heartbeat of the team, showing no signs of slowing down. His ability to rise in key moments, whether with bone-rattling hits or pinpoint snipes, cements his legendary status among hockey’s elite.
“It’s one thing to be good all season long,” Wilson added, “but the guys that show up and hit, block shots, lead — that’s why he’s a legend.”
With Washington taking a 1-0 series lead, Ovechkin’s overdue overtime goal might just be the emotional spark the Capitals need to make another deep postseason push.
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